James David J.D.’ Harris

Former Durango resident James David Harris died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, in Louisville. He was 89.

Known as “J.D.,” he was born to William Earl and Orpha Antonia Hazel (Garvin) Harris on July 12, 1923, in Frederick, Okla. He was one of eight children. When he was young, his family moved to the Dove Creek area.

After graduation from Dove Creek High School in the early 1940s, Mr. Harris attended Fort Lewis College at the Old Hesperus Campus for a winter before going into the Army. While stationed in Augusta, Ga., he met Frances Lowery. The couple married Feb. 12, 1950, in North Augusta, S.C.

After moving several times, the couple finally settled in Dove Creek in late 1953, where they had two children.

Mr. Harris was a mail contractor for more than 50 years in the Dove Creek area. He also held the contract to transport the mail from Durango to Dove Creek for more than 20 years, retiring at age 80. The Harrises moved to Durango in 1976 to streamline the Durango to Dove Creek run.

When Mrs. Harris became ill in 2005, the couple moved to Longmont to be nearer to their daughter and son-in-law, Jerry “Jeri” and Daryl “Butch” Jackson.

Mr. Harris was on the road six days a week delivering mail, but when he did take a break, he and his wife enjoyed going camping and visiting their grandchildren.

Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Frances Harris; and son, Bradford William Harris.

He is survived by his daughter, Jeri Jackson; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at Ertel Chapel Memorial Chapel, 42 N. Market St., in Cortez. A funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, also at Ertel. A private burial will take place at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango next to his wife.